Black Box IC350A User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
MARCH 2000
IC350A
IC351A
Fiber Optic Converters
POWER ON
LOCAL
TEST
ON
REMOTE
NORMAL
IN
850NM
IN
1300NM
OUT
1300NM
OUT
850NM
MULTIMODE
TO
SINGLE MODE
SINGLE MODE
TO
MULTIMODE
Fiber Optic Converter

FCC AND IC STATEMENTS, SAFETY WARNING
3
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of
Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required
to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
SAFETY WARNING
Always observe standard safety precautions during installation, operation, and
maintenance of this product. If you attempt to remove the power-supply fuse,
be sure to disconect the power cord from the power source first, in order to
avoid the possibility of electric shock.

FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones
de operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como
sea recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por
los orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de
calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos
(incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.
4

NOM STATEMENT
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo
del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en
el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que
no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra
ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde
salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos
de las lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo
no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del
aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio
en su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.
5

FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................... 7
2. Introduction ................................................................................................. 9
3. Installation .................................................................................................. 11
3.1 Unpacking ........................................................................................... 11
3.2 Placement ............................................................................................ 11
3.3 Mounting (Optional) ......................................................................... 12
3.4 Connecting the Power Supply ............................................................ 14
3.5 Connecting the Fiberoptic Cables ..................................................... 14
4. Operation ................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Controls and Indicators ...................................................................... 15
4.2 Power-Up, Normal Operation, and Power-Down ............................. 16
4.3 Diagnostic Testing .............................................................................. 17
5. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 19
5.1 Common Concerns ............................................................................. 19
5.2 Calling Black Box ................................................................................ 20
5.3 Shipping and Packaging ..................................................................... 20
Legal Information ............................................................................................. 21
6

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Compliance — FCC Part 15 Class A, IC Class/classe A
Interfaces — Single-mode and multimode
Protocols — Transparent to all protocols
Coding — Supports unipolar two-level codes such as NRZ,
NRZI, RZ, or biphase (CDP or Manchester); does
not support bipolar (multi-level) codes (such as AMI
or HDB3) or uncoded signals
Data Rate — Transparent to all data rates from 100 kbps to
250 Mbps
Wavelength — Single-mode side: 1300 nm;
Multimode side:
IC350A: 850 nm;
IC351A: 1300 nm
Optical Output — Single-mode side: –18 dBm into 9/125 fiber;
Multimode side:
–22 dBm into 50/125 fiber;
–18 dBm into 62.5/125 fiber;
–14 dBm into 100/140 fiber
Receiver
Sensitivity — –32 dBm on both interfaces
Dynamic Range — 20 dB for both interfaces
User Controls — (1) Rear-mounted POWER rocker switch;
(1) Front-mounted TEST toggle switch
Diagnostics — V.54-compliant loopback tests
1. Specifications

8
FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
Indicators — (9) Front-mounted LEDS: (1) POWER, (1) ON
LOCAL, (1) ON REMOTE, (4) Activity
Connectors — (4) Front-mounted ST female for data;
(1) Rear-mounted IEC 320 male for power
MTBF — Approx. 80,000 hours
Temperature
Tolerance — 32 to 104˚F (0 to 40˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance — Up to 90% noncondensing
Maximum
Altitude — 8,000 ft. (2438.4 m)
Power — From internal power supply through included or
alternate 5-ft. (1.5-m) power cord:
Input: 90 to 260 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz (autosensing);
Consumption: 6 watts
Size — 1.7"H x 8.5"W x 9.5"D (4.4 x 21.7 x 24 cm)
Weight — 2.4 lb. (1.1 kg)

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
The Fiber Optic Converters pass data transmissions between the two standard
types of optical fiber. Transmission lines used to carry fiberoptic signals over
short distances are constructed of a relatively thick fiber called “multimode
(graded index).” A much thinner fiber, “single-mode (graded index),” is used
for transmitting light signals over longer distances. Signal dispersion observed
in multimode fibers is substantially greater than that in single-mode lines
because the size of the fiber and the properties of the light source used.
With a Fiber Optic Converter, you can connect multimode devices such as
RS-232 multiplexors or LAN, ATM (SDH), SONET, or ESCON networks to
the single-mode lines typical of Post, Telephone, and Telegraph companies
(PTTs). This enables these devices to communicate over much greater
distances than those achievable with multimode lines alone.
The Converter module that converts incoming transmissions is entirely
separate from the module performing conversion of outbound signals.
This feature makes the Converters suitable for all applications requiring
unidirectional or bidirectional half-duplex data transmission. You can use
a pair of Converters to connect two devices that have multimode interfaces
across a single-mode line, as shown in Figure 2-1 below, or use one Converter
to connect a multimode device to single-mode equipment, as shown in
Figure 2-2 on the next page.
2. Introduction
FDDI FDDI
TOKEN RING TOKEN RING
FMC-101
FMC-101 FMC-100
FMC-101 FMC-101
FMC-101
1300 nm
850 nm
850 nm
PTT
SINGLE MODE
1300 nm ETHERNETETHERNET
Figure 2-1. Applications using pairs of Fiber Optic Converters.
FOC
FOC
FOC FOC
FOC
FOC

10
FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
The Fiber Optic Converters can achieve a data rate of up to 250 Mbps. They
also have built-in diagnostic procedures (local and remote loopback) that
comply with the ITU-TSS (CCITT) V.54 standard. Use the front-panel switch
to determine which type of loopback you want and perform these procedures
with a Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) connected to the Converter in place of
the local device.
The Converters support unipolar two-level codes, such as NRZ, NRZI, RZ,
and biphase (CDP, Manchester), but not bipolar (multi-level) codes (such as
AMI or HDB3) or uncoded signals.
CAUTION!
Use the Fiber Optic Converter-850NM (our product code IC350A) to
convert to and from multimode cable carrying light at 850 nm. Use the
Fiber Optic Converter-1300NM (our product code IC351A) to convert to
and from multimode cable carrying light at 1300 nm. Neither type of
Converter will work with multimode cables designed for the other type’s
wavelength.
Figure 2-2. Application using a single Fiber Optic Converter.
FMC-101 SINGLE MODE
DEVICE
MULTI MODE
DEVICE
1300 nm
Single mode
850 nm or
1300 nm
Multi-mode
FOC

11
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove the Fiber Optic Converter and included equipment from
the container it came in and place the unit securely on a clean surface.
Inspect the container and everything that was in it for damage, and
immediately report any damage you find.
3.2 Placement
Place the Fiber Optic Converter in an area whose temperature is always within
the range of 0 to 40˚C (32 to 104˚F) and whose relative humidity does not
exceed 90% noncondensing.
The Converter should be installed within 5 ft. (1.5 m) of an easily accessible
grounded AC outlet. (The unit’s universal power supply can accept utility
power ranging from 90 to 260 VAC.) Allow at least 3 ft. (90 cm) of clearance
at the front of the unit for operator access. Allow at least 4" (10 cm) clearance
at the rear of the unit to connect and disconnect its power cord.
3. Installation

12
FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
FASTENING
SCREW
GUIDE
PIN
Figure 3-1. Wallmounting a Converter.
❶, ❷
❸, ❹
3.3 Mounting (Optional)
With optional equipment, you can wallmount your Fiber Optic Converter or
mount it on a 19-inch rack.
3.3.1 W ALLMOUNTING
To wallmount the Converter, you will require a wallmount bracket. This is not
included with the Converter; call Black Box’s technical support for a special
quote. Once you have the bracket, take these steps, referring to Figure 3-1
below:
1. Prepare four anchored holes in the wall. Use the wallmount bracket as a
drilling template.
2. Fasten the bracket to the wall with four screws.
3. Align the mounting hole on the rear of the Converter with the guide pin
on the bracket, and push the Converter into place.
4. Secure the Converter with the fastening screw.

13
3.3.2 R ACKMOUNTING
To rackmount the Converter, you will require a rackmount tray. This is not
included with the Converter; call Black Box’s technical support for a special
quote. The tray can hold up to two Converters, and requires 1U of rack
height. Once you have the tray, take these steps, referring to
Figure 3-2 below:
1. Insert the tray in a 19-inch rack and fasten it to the rack’s side rails with
two screws.
2. Place the Converter on either the left or the right end of the tray.
3. Align the mounting hole on the rear of the Converter with the guide pin
on the tray, and push the Converter into place.
4. Secure the Converter with the fastening screw.
GUIDE
PIN
FASTENING
SCREWS
Figure 3-2. Rackmounting a Converter.
CHAPTER 3: Installation

14
FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
3.4 Connecting the Power Supply
AC power should be supplied to the Fiber Optic Converter through a
standard 5- or 6-foot (1.5- or 2-m) power cord with an IEC 320 female socket
on one end and a grounded 3-wire plug of the appropriate type on the other
end. Making sure that the Converter is turned off (the power switch on the
rear panel is in the OFF position), plug the IEC 320 female end of the cord
into the Converter’s IEC 320 male power connector. Then plug the other end
of the cord into a working outlet.
CAUTION!
Interrupting the protective (grounding) conductor (inside or outside the
device) or disconnecting the protective earth terminal can make this
device dangerous. Intentional interruption of the grounding conductor is
against electrical regulations and can cause serious damage.
3.5 Connecting the Fiberoptic Cables
NOTES
All of the fiberoptic connectors on the standard Fiber Optic Converters
are ST®type. If you need Converters with FC or SMA connectors, call
Black Box’s technical support for a special quote.
Also, if you need to transmit data across very long stretches of
single-mode cable, call Black Box’s technical support for a special quote
on Converters with laser-diode transmitters.
3.5.1 S INGLE -C ONVERTER A PPLICATIONS
If you are using a single Fiber Optic Converter between a multimode device
and a single-mode device, as shown in Figure 2-2 on page 10, connect the
fiberoptic cables to the Converter this way:
• Attach the multimode cable from the multimode device’s transmitter to
the Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode IN 850NM or IN 1300NM
connector.
• Attach the multimode cable from the multimode device’s receiver to the
Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode OUT 850NM or OUT 1300NM
connector.
• Attach the single-mode cable from the single-mode device’s transmitter to
the Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode IN 1300NM connector.
• Attach the single-mode cable from the single-mode device’s receiver to the
Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode OUT 1300NM connector.

15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.5.1 U SING A P AIR OF C ONVERTERS TO E STABLISH A S INGLE -M ODE L INK
If you are using two Fiber Optic Converters to connect two multimode
devices across a length of single-mode cable, as shown in Figure 2-1 on
page 9, connect the fiberoptic cables to each Converter this way:
• Attach the multimode cable from the local multimode device’s transmitter
to the local Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode IN 850NM or IN
1300NM connector.
• Attach the multimode cable from the local multimode device’s receiver to
the local Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode OUT 850NM or OUT
1300NM connector.
• Attach the single-mode cable from the remote Converter’s transmitter
(its Multimode to Single Mode OUT 1300NM connector) to the local
Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode IN 1300NM connector.
• Attach the single-mode cable from the remote Converter’s receiver
(its Single Mode to Multimode IN 1300NM connector) to the local
Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode OUT 1300NM connector.
3.5.1 U SING A P AIR OF C ONVERTERS TO E STABLISH A M ULTIMODE L INK
If for some reason you are using two Fiber Optic Converters to connect
two single-mode devices across a length of multimode cable, connect the
fiberoptic cables to each Converter this way:
• Attach the single-mode cable from the local single-mode device’s
transmitter to the local Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode IN 1300NM
connector.
• Attach the single-mode cable from the local single-mode device’s receiver
to the local Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode OUT 1300NM
connector.
• Attach the multimode cable from the remote Converter’s transmitter
(its Single Mode to Multimode OUT 850NM or OUT 1300NM connector)
to the local Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode IN 850NM or
IN 1300NM connector.
• Attach the multimode cable from the remote Converter’s receiver (its
Multimode to Single Mode IN 850NM or IN 1300NM connector) to the
Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode OUT 850NM or OUT 1300NM
connector.

16
FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
4.1 Controls and Indicators
All of the Fiber Optic Converter’s controls and indicators, except for the
power switch, are located on the Converter’s front panel, shown in
Figure 4-1 below. The power switch is located on the rear panel of the unit,
immediately above the power-cord connector (see Section 3.4).
The Converter’s complete model number is on the right side of the front
panel. Below the model number is a fastening screw (see Section 3.3).
The table below lists the functions of these controls and indicators. The
numbers under the Item heading refer to the identification numbers in
Figure 4-1.
4. Operation
Fiber Optic Converter
MULTIMODE
TO
SINGLE MODE
SINGLE MODE
TO
MULTIMODE
OUT
1300NM
IN
1300NM
OUT
850NM
IN
850NM
TEST
POWER ON
LOCAL
NORMAL
ON
REMOTE
Item Control/Indicator Function
1 POWER LED Lights when the Converter is on and receiving power.
2 ON LOCAL LED Lights when the TEST switch (item 3) is not in the
center position (a loopback test is underway).
3 TEST Switch Toggle this switch to select normal operation (center
position), local loopback (left-hand position), or
remote loopback (right-hand position).
4 ON REMOTE LED Lights when the TEST switch (item 3) is in the right-
hand position on either the local or remote
Converter (a remote loopback test is underway).
5–8 Activity LEDs Light when traffic passes through the adjacent
connector.
Figure 4-1. The front panel of a Converter.
❶❷❸
❹
❺❻
❼❽

17
CHAPTER 4: Operation
The Converters also have several important internal components
(these are schematically represented in Figure 4-2 below):
• Multiplexor for converting single-mode signal to multimode
(MUX SM/MM)
• Multiplexor for converting multimode signal to single-mode
(MUX MM/SM)
• Remote loop generator
• Remote loop detector
REMOTE LOOP
GENERATOR
REMOTE LOOP
DETECTOR
REMOTE
LOOP LED
TEST
LED
LOC TEST
SWITCH
REM TEST
SWITCH
MM
MM SM
SM
MUX
XMTREC
REC
XMT
MUX
Figure 4-2. Schematic of a Converter’s internal components.
MM/SM
SM/MM
4.2 Power-Up, Normal Operation, and Power-Down
To turn on the Fiber Optic Converter, move the POWER switch on the rear
panel to the ON position. The POWER LED on the front panel should light.
Once powered on, the Converter operates unattended. Operator
intervention is required only for testing or when an error occurs.
To turn off the Converter, move the POWER switch to the OFF position.
The POWER LED should go dark.

18
FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
4.3 Diagnostic Testing
To test one Fiber Optic Converter or a pair of Converters, as well as the
attached fiberoptic lines, first connect a Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) in
place of the local device. Then follow the steps in Section 4.3.1 or
Section 4.3.2, as appropriate.
4.3.1 L OCAL L OOPBACK T EST
Move the TEST switch on the front panel of the local Converter to the
LOCAL (left-hand) position. The ON LOCAL LED will light and the MUX
SM/MM will no longer accept signals from the Single Mode to Multimode IN
1300NM connector.
Begin sending test data from the BERT to the local Converter. The data
will travel along this path (minimally illustrated in Figure 4-3 below):
• Into the local Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode IN 850NM or IN
1300NM connector;
• Through the local Converter’s MUX SM/MM;
• Out of the local Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode OUT 850NM
or OUT 1300NM connector; and
• Back into the BERT.
The tester will compare the data received with the data stream sent
and report any discrepancies it finds.
FIBER OPTIC
EQUIPMENT
FMC-101
PTT
LINES
Figure 4-3. Local loopback.
BERT
FOC

19
CHAPTER 4: Operation
4.3.2 R EMOTE L OOPBACK T EST
This test can be done only with a pair of Converters, one on either side of
the single-mode line. Move the TEST switch on the front panel of the local
Converter to the REMOTE (right-hand) position. The local Converter will
light its ON LOCAL and ON REMOTE LEDs; its Remote Loop Generator
will contact the remote Converter’s Remote Loop Detector, causing the
remote unit to light its ON REMOTE LED and to stop accepting data from its
Multimode to Single Mode IN 850NM or IN 1300NM connector. (The remote
Converter’s TEST switch should remain in the NORMAL [center] position.)
Begin sending test data from the BERT to the local Converter. The data will
travel along this path (minimally illustrated in Figure 4-4 below):
• Into the local Converter’s Multimode to Single Mode IN 850NM or IN
1300NM connector, through its MUX MM/SM, and out of its Multimode
to Single Mode OUT 1300NM connector;
• Across the line, into the remote Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode
IN 1300NM connector, through its MUX MM/SM, and out of its
Multimode to Single Mode OUT 1300NM connector;
• Back across the line, into the local Converter’s Single Mode to Multimode
IN 1300NM connector, through its MUX SM/MM, and out of its Single
Mode to Multimode OUT 850NM or OUT 1300NM connector; and
• Back into the BERT.
As in the local test, the tester reports discrepancies between the sent and the
received data streams. When the test is done, move the local Converter’s
TEST switch back to the NORMAL (center) position. It will turn off its ON
LOCAL and ON REMOTE LEDs and instruct the remote unit to resume
normal operation and to turn off its ON REMOTE LED.
FIBER
OPTIC
EQUIPMENT
FMC-101 FMC-101
PTT
LINES
FIBER
OPTIC
EQUIPMENT
Figure 4-4. Remote loopback.
BERT MULTIMODE
EQUIPMENT
FOC FOC

20
FIBER OPTIC CONVERTERS
5.1 Common Concerns
The POWER LED does not light
1. Make sure the Fiber Optic Converter is plugged in and that its power
cord is securely attached to the its rear-panel power connector.
2. Make sure that the utility (mains) outlet where the Converter is
plugged in is actually providing power.
3. Call Black Box for technical support.
I’m having data-transmission problems
1. Make sure that you are using the proper type of Converter for your
multimode cable’s wavelength (the Fiber Optic Converter-850NM for
850-nm cable, the Fiber Optic Converter-1300NM for 1300-nm cable).
2. Make sure that the TEST switch on the Converter’s front panel is in the
NORMAL (center) position.
3. Make sure that the Converter’s ON REMOTE LED is not lit, indicating
that a remote loopback test is being performed at the remote site.
4. Make sure that all fiberoptic lines are securely attached to the proper
connectors on the Converter’s front panel, as described in Section 3.5.
5. Perform diagnostic tests as described in Section 4.3. If you find a
malfunction, try swapping in known-good fiberoptic cables and/or
Converter units if this is possible. If not, or if this does not solve the
problem, call Black Box for technical support.
5. Troubleshooting

21
5.2 Calling Black Box
If you determine that your Fiber Optic Converter is malfunctioning, do not
attempt to alter or repair it. Contact Black Box; the problem might be solvable
over the phone.
Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able
to provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete
description, including:
• The nature and duration of the problem.
• When the problem occurs.
• The components involved in the problem.
• Any particular application that, when used, appears to create the problem
or make it worse.
5.3 Shipping and Packaging
If you need to transport or ship your Fiber Optic Converter:
• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use the original container.
• Before you ship a unit for repair or return, contact Black Box to get a
Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number, and make sure you
include everything you received with the unit when you ship it.
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting